Nigeria General Sport news

• South Africa’s Winless Streak In World Cup Opening Games Continues After Mexico Defeat

  11-06-2026 23:38 via completesports.com
  
  Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match after playing much of the second half with 10 men before finishing the contest with nine, The South African reports. The defeat means Bafana Bafana are yet to win any of their four opening matches at the World Cup (They also lost 3-0 [...]
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• Leaving Atletico Madrid Was The Biggest Mistake Of My Career –Morata

  11-06-2026 23:31 via completesports.com
  
  Former Chelsea striker Álvaro Morata has disclosed that leaving Atlético Madrid was the biggest mistake of his career. The Spanish striker, who went on to join AC Milan and later Galatasaray, confessed that he would gladly trade all the major trophies he has won for just one title with Atlético. Read Also:OFFICIAL: Mourinho Returns As [...]
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• Mexico begin World Cup campaign with emphatic win over South Africa

  11-06-2026 23:21 via thesun.ng
  
  Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in a fiery Group A clash that produced three red cards and two well-taken goals before a packed crowd at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday.
  The hosts made the perfect start when Julián Quiñones struck in the ninth minute from Érik Lira’s assist.
  The early goal settled Mexico, who controlled possession and dictated the pace of the match for much of the evening.
  South Africa’s h
  
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• Real Madrid officially confirm Mourinho’s appointment on three-year deal

  11-06-2026 22:34 via thesun.ng
  
  Real Madrid on Thursday officially confirmed the appointment of Portuguese tactician, Jose Mourinho as the head coach of the club’s senior men’s team.
  The confirmation was contained in a terse statement shared on Thursday.
  According to the statement, Mourinho will lead the team for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029.
  The statement reads, “The Board of Directors of Real Madrid C.F., meeting today, Thursday, June 11, and presided over by Florentino Pérez, has agre
  
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• Mourinho named Real Madrid coach on three-year deal

  11-06-2026 21:01 via vanguardngr.com
  Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their coach on Thursday on a three-year deal, with the Portuguese veteran making a sensational return to the Spanish capital after 13 years away.The 63-year-old replaces Alvaro Arbeloa after Madrid finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, falling behind domestic rivals Barcelona.“(Real Madrid have) agreed to appoint Jose Mourinho as the first team’s head coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029,” said the
  
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• OFFICIAL: Mourinho Returns As Real Madrid Head Coach

  11-06-2026 20:47 via completesports.com
  
  Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of José Mourinho for a second spell as the club’s coach after ratifying the departure of Álvaro Arbeloa. Madrid disclosed the return in a statement on their website on Thursday. “The Board of Directors of Real Madrid C.F., meeting today, Thursday, June 11, and presided over by Florentino Pérez, [...]
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• Mexico Vs South Africa Live Blogging – 2026 FIFA World Cup (Matchday 1; Group A)

  11-06-2026 20:30 via completesports.com
  
  Completesports.com’s Live Blogging of 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A matchday 1 clash between El Tri of Mexico and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Coyoacan, Mexico City.
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• Man City’s £120m bid for Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest

  11-06-2026 20:29 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeManchester City have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson after seeing an improved offer worth £120 million rejected.According to the BBC, City submitted a second bid for the England international worth an initial £106 million plus performance-related add-ons, but Nottingham Forest turned down the proposal.Pep Guardiola’s side have intensified efforts to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Ber
  
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• Rangers Line Up Move For Super Eagles Defender

  11-06-2026 19:34 via completesports.com
  
  Rangers are interested in Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, Completesports.com reports. The Light Blues are in the market for a new right-back following James Tavernier’s departure from the club at the end of last season. Alebiosu Big Performance For Blackburn Rovers Alebiosu impressed for Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn Rovers last season after joining the [...]
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• Every World Cup Match Is So Important –Son Speaks Ahead South Korea Vs Czech

  11-06-2026 17:45 via completesports.com
  
  South Korean captain Son Heung-min has disclosed that every World Cup match is so important that the team will be willing to stake their lives on it. Recall that South Korea will battle the Czech Republic in the opening fixture of Group A on Saturday. Read Also:2026 World Cup: ‘Nigeria Will Be A Big Miss’ [...]
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• FIFA rankings: Super Eagles retain 26th spot after June international window

  11-06-2026 17:27 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeThe Super Eagles of Nigeria have retained 26th position in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday following an encouraging June international window under head coach Eric Chelle.The three-time African champions remain the third-highest ranked team in Africa despite a mixed run of results that included victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, a draw against Poland and a narrow defeat to Portugal.Nigeria impressed at the Unity Cup in London, defeating Zimbabwe 2-0 be
  
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• 2026 World Cup: Weather Will Affect England’s Performances –Heskey

  11-06-2026 17:23 via completesports.com
  
  Liverpool legend Emile Heskey has voiced concerns that the severe weather conditions and extreme heat across the United States could impact England’s performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He noted that while the squad has the talent to reach the semi-finals, navigating the challenging climate will require a bit of luck. Read Also:2026 World [...]
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• US issues visa warning to influencers ahead of World Cup

  11-06-2026 17:21 via thesun.ng
  
  The United States government has cautioned international content creators and social media influencers that they may face deportation if they earn cash from content creation while in the country on a tourist visa, a warning issued on the eve to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  In an email to Spanish news agency EFE on Wednesday, US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security stated that foreign nationals entering the country on a tourist visa and receiving income from a US sour
  
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• Somali referee denied World Cup entry lands UEFA Super Cup role

  11-06-2026 17:13 via thesun.ng
  
  Somali referee Omar Artan has received a major career boost after UEFA appointed him to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, just days after he was denied entry into the United States and excluded from the FIFA World Cup.
  UEFA announced on Thursday that Artan will handle the Super Cup showdown between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League champions Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
  Explaining the decision, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised the Somali o
  
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• Plateau: Footballer slumps, dies during training in Jos

  11-06-2026 17:11 via thesun.ng
  
  From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
  Tragedy struck in Jos on Monday evening when a footballer, Salisu Muhammed, slumped during a training session at the Massalacin Edi Football Field in the Alikazaure community of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
  The player was said to have been pronounced dead at the hospital where he was rushed.
  The incident, which brought the training session to an abrupt end, threw both players and spectators into mourning.
  Muhammed, a resident of the Anguwan Rogo comm
  
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• Boxing Champ Esepo Signs Deal With Balmoral

  11-06-2026 16:30 via completesports.com
  
  Undefeated Nigerian lightweight champion Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje has signed a promotional deal with Balmoral Promotions, the Lagos-based outfit behind the Chaos in The Ring franchise, in what the 19-0 fighter described as the most significant moment of his professional career. Agbaje, who holds the WBA Africa lightweight title after his unanimous decision victory over Tosin [...]
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• FIFA rankings: Argentina reclaim No.1 spot as World Cup begins

  11-06-2026 16:29 via thesun.ng
  
  Argentina will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the highest-ranked team in the world after reclaiming the number one position in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, hours before the opening match of the tournament in North America.
  The reigning world champions returned to the summit following back-to-back victories over Honduras and Iceland in their final warm-up matches.
  Spain retained second place after securing a draw against Iraq and a victory over Peru, while France dropped to th
  
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• UEFA appoints Somali referee for Super Cup after World Cup snub

  11-06-2026 16:15 via vanguardngr.com
  BY Adegboyega AdeleyeUEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup just days after he was denied entry into the United States and ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, will take charge of the UEFA Super Cup clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.Announcing the appointmen
  
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• 2026 W/Cup: Somali Referee To Officiate PSG vs Villa UEFA Super Cup Clash

  11-06-2026 16:15 via completesports.com
  
  Somali referee Omar Artan, the World Cup match official refused entry to the United States due to visa issues, has been appointed by UEFA to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on Aug. 12, ESPN reports. Artan, 34, has returned to Somalia after being denied entry to [...]
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• 2026 World Cup: Ivory Coast fans denied US visas

  11-06-2026 16:10 via thesun.ng
  
  By Lawrence Agbo
  Several supporters of the Ivory Coast national football team have been unable to secure visas to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns among fan groups ahead of the tournament.
  The development was disclosed by the president of an Ivorian supporters’ association, who said a number of fans had their visa applications rejected despite plans to travel and support the Elephants at the global football showpiece.
  According to him, the visa deni
  
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• 5 Key Talking Points From Super Eagles’ 2–1 Defeat To Portugal In Leiria

  11-06-2026 16:08 via completesports.com
  
  The Super Eagles produced an encouraging display despite suffering a narrow 2–1 defeat to Portugal in Wednesday’s international friendly in Leiria, a result that brought an end to head coach Eric Chelle’s unbeaten start in charge of Nigeria. Pedro Neto handed Portugal the lead before Akor Adams restored parity for Nigeria with a well-taken equaliser [...]
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• Mexico shuts schools, orders remote work ahead of World Cup 2026 opener

  11-06-2026 15:31 via vanguardngr.com
  The Mexican government has ordered schools in Mexico City to suspend classes and directed federal employees to work remotely as the country prepares to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the measures in a decree aimed at reducing traffic congestion and ensuring smooth logistics for Thursday’s tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium.Under the directive, students in both public and private schools ac
  
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• Super Falcons Striker Resumes Training Following Injury Layoff

  11-06-2026 15:08 via completesports.com
  
  Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has returned to training after a spell on the sidelines due to injury, Completesports.com reports. Okoronkwo suffered a meniscus tear and hamstring damage during AFC Toronto’s league clash with Halifax last month. The 29-year-old left the pitch in the 39th minute after sustaining the injury, with the game eventually ending [...]
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• EXCLUSIVE: Chelle Reviving Super Eagles’ Glory Days; Gusau’s NFF Leadership On Course — Akwuegbu

  11-06-2026 14:37 via completesports.com
  
  Former Nigeria international Benedict Akwuegbu has exclusively told Completesports.com that Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle is steadily restoring the national team’s reputation as a formidable force in African and world football, while also praising the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau for creating the stability needed to drive progress. [...]
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• Super Eagles Retain 26th Spot In Latest FIFA Rankings

  11-06-2026 13:39 via completesports.com
  
  Nigeria’s Super Eagles have maintained their 26th position in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings released on Thursday, Completesports.com reports. The three-time African champions were in action four times since the previous rankings. Unity Cup Success Éric Chelle’s side defeated Zimbabwe’s Warriors 2-0 and thrashed Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 3-0 at the Unity Cup invitational tournament [...]
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• Why More Adults Are Discovering Snooker Is One Of The Best Lifelong Sports

  11-06-2026 13:33 via completesports.com
  
  Many people reach a point in their thirties, forties, or even fifties when the sports they once loved begin to take a physical toll. A weekend game of football might leave the knees aching; the physical exhaustion of running often outweighs the thrill of the activity; and even a casual match of tennis can require [...]
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• Missing 2026 World Cup one of my saddest moments — Amaju Pinnick

  11-06-2026 13:28 via thesun.ng
  
  By Lawrence Agbo
  Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the most painful experiences of his football administration career.
  Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Pinnick admitted that watching the Super Eagles miss out on a second consecutive World Cup remains difficult to accept.
  “It really gets into me, you know, because it is one of my saddest moments where we didn&r
  
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• The Role Of Branded Swim Caps In School And Club Swimming Programs

  11-06-2026 13:25 via completesports.com
  
  Swimming programs thrive on more than athletic performance alone. Schools and clubs also work to build identity, teamwork, and a sense of belonging among participants. Small visual elements often play a larger role in this process than many people realize. Branded swim caps have become a practical tool for organizations looking to strengthen team culture [...]
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• World Cup fever hits New York as streets renamed after Henry, Pele

  11-06-2026 12:30 via thesun.ng
  
  With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off across North America, New York City has rolled out a special tribute to two of football’s most iconic figures, Thierry Henry and Pele, temporarily renaming streets in their honour.
  The move forms part of activities leading up to the global tournament, which begins on Thursday and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, rebranded for the tournament a
  
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• Neymar, Kylian dominate baby names ahead of World Cup

  11-06-2026 12:17 via thesun.ng
  
  As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football’s influence is being felt in an unexpected place across South America birth registration offices.
  Parents across the continent are increasingly naming their newborns after some of the game’s biggest stars, with Neymar and Kylian emerging among the most popular football-inspired names.
  The trend highlights the powerful connection between football and everyday life in South America, where elite players are often viewed as rol
  
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• New York renames streets after Thierry Henry, Pele ahead of World Cup

  11-06-2026 12:00 via vanguardngr.com
  New York has honored two footballing greats by temporarily renaming streets after Thierry Henry and Pele ahead of the World Cup kickoff, according to the City Council.The tournament — co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — begins Thursday and the final will be played next month at the MetLife Stadium, rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium, just outside the city.Crowds gathered at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan to mark the unveiling of &ldqu
  
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• Watch Live Streaming FIFA World Cup 2026

  11-06-2026 11:39 via completesports.com
  
  The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to attract billions of viewers worldwide, making it one of the most anticipated sporting events of the decade. As the tournament approaches, many football fans are searching for reliable ways to watch matches live. The biggest challenge is finding a platform that offers smooth streaming, easy access, and [...]
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• 2026 World Cup opener: Everything you need to know about Mexico vs South Africa as global showpiece kicks off

  11-06-2026 11:38 via thesun.ng
  
  The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway today with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
  The match marks the start of the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
  Match Details
  Fixture: Mexico vs South AfricaCompetition: 2026 FIFA World CupGroup: Group AVenue: Estadio AztecaDate: June 11, 2026Stage: Opening Match of the Tournament
  This is a repeat
  
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• 2026 World Cup opener: Everything you need to know about Mexico vs South Africa

  11-06-2026 11:38 via thesun.ng
  
  The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway today with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
  The match marks the start of the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
  Match Details
  Fixture: Mexico vs South AfricaCompetition: 2026 FIFA World CupGroup: Group AVenue: Estadio AztecaDate: June 11, 2026Stage: Opening Match of the Tournament
  This is a repeat
  
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• Rising Stars Capturing Betting Attention Ahead Of The 2026 World Cup

  11-06-2026 11:23 via completesports.com
  
  Every World Cup cycle produces a handful of names that seem to emerge at exactly the right moment. Some arrive with years of hype behind them. Others appear almost unexpectedly, forcing their way into conversations that were previously reserved for established stars. As attention builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a new generation of [...]
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• Friendly: Neto Thrilled With Portugal’s Win Over Super Eagles

  11-06-2026 11:01 via completesports.com
  
  Pedro Neto believes Portugal can head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with confidence after their 2-1 international friendly victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Completesports.com reports. Roberto Martinez’s men delivered an impressive display in the encounter played at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night. Neto opened the scoring for the hosts [...]
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• Kylian, Neymar lead football-inspired baby names across South America

  11-06-2026 11:00 via vanguardngr.com
  What’s in a name? A victory foretold or a homage to greatness past?Across South America, a legion of pint-sized Kylians and Neymars will be following the fortunes of the stars to whom they owe their names when the World Cup kicks off on Thursday.But in a year’s time, depending on which players shine, expectant parents may be leaning towards Lamine (Yamal, Spain), Ousmane (Dembele, France), Harry (Kane, England) or Vitinha (Portugal).In Ecuador, which is taking part in its fifth Worl
  
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• Friendly: Sanusi Thumbs Up Super Eagles’ Performance In Defeat To Portugal

  11-06-2026 09:27 via completesports.com
  
  Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi has praised the team’s spirited display despite their 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Wednesday night’s international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. The three-time African champions delivered an encouraging performance against the Selecao, a significant improvement from their previous meeting, which ended in a 4-0 defeat. Nigeria [...]
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• 2026 W/Cup: Brazil President Predicts Win Over Morocco

  11-06-2026 09:09 via completesports.com
  
  Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed a strong belief that his country’s national team will start the 2026 World Cup with a victory against Morocco. Speaking after a meeting of Brazil’s Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development, Lula told reporters he expects the Seleção to win their opening match on Saturday [...]
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• 2026 World Cup: ‘We Can’t Control Everything’ –Infantino Reacts After Somali Referee Denial Of Entry To US

  11-06-2026 08:45 via completesports.com
  
  FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged the public to chill and relax after US authorities denied entry to Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the first Somali referee selected to officiate a World Cup. Despite holding a valid visa, he was held for 11 hours and ultimately deemed inadmissible by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to [...]
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• FIFA backs Trump, defends ticket prices ahead of World Cup kick-off

  11-06-2026 08:17 via thesun.ng
  
  By Lawrence Agbo
  As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway across North America, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended both the tournament’s ticket pricing structure and the role played by U.S. President Donald Trump in helping bring the competition to the United States.
  Speaking in Mexico City on the eve of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Infantino dismissed criticism surrounding the cost of tickets and visa-related controversies that have overshadowed preparation
  
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• ‘Very Satisfied’– Martinez Reflects On Portugal’s Win Over Super Eagles

  11-06-2026 08:03 via completesports.com
  
  Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has shared his thoughts on his side’s victory over the Super Eagles, Completesports.com reports. The Selecao edged past Nigeria 2-1 in their final warm-up fixture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night. Pedro Neto gave Portugal the lead in [...]
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• Barcelona Formally Submit Bid To Host 2029 Champions League Final

  11-06-2026 08:03 via completesports.com
  
  Barcelona have officially submitted a bid to UEFA to host the 2029 UEFA Champions League final. The La Liga giants confirmed in an official statement that it has already submitted all the documentation required by UEFA for the renovated Camp Nou to be considered as the venue for the final. According to the club, the [...]
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• 2026 World Cup: ‘Nigeria Will Be A Big Miss’ –Terry

  11-06-2026 07:56 via completesports.com
  
  Former England captain John Terry has expressed deep disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling the Super Eagles’ absence a major miss for the global tournament. Terry noted that a football tournament of this magnitude loses some of its flair and pedigree without a nation as culturally rich and [...]
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• 10 best midfielders at the 2026 World Cup

  11-06-2026 02:35 via thesun.ng
  
  Goal-scoring will never go out of fashion, and they’ve always said that “defense wins championships,” but soccer continues to revolve around the engine room.
  The middle of the pitch is the battleground that so often decides outcomes of matches. It’s where the fight for control is at its fiercest, and where teams can hurt their opponents the most.
  Soccer has drifted into an era of pace and power, but the supreme technical craft that defined Spain’s dominant cycle bet
  
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• Bosnia, Norway lead tallest teams

  11-06-2026 02:32 via thesun.ng
  
  The average height of the teams participating in the World Cup is a classic statistic in every tournament, analyzed not only by fans but also by coaches. Aerial play and set pieces are crucial in these competitions. The 2026 World Cup ranking, compiled using the average height of the squads, shows that Europe dominates among the tallest teams in the tournament.
  Bosnia and Herzegovina and Norway share first place in the rankings with an average height of 187.2 centimeters per player. Both teams t
  
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• Messi, Ronaldo headline race for football’s biggest prize

  11-06-2026 02:30 via thesun.ng
  
  • As 48-team FIFA World Cup begins
  FIFA World Cup 2026 gets under way today as 48 teams gather across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the biggest edition of the tournament in history.
  The tournament will run for almost six weeks before concluding with the final at New Jersey’s 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium on July 19.
  The first World Cup to be hosted by three countries will begin at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, where Mexico face South Africa.
  For football supporters, att
  
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• US official claims banned referee had links with ‘terror organisations’

  11-06-2026 02:28 via thesun.ng
  
  Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States because of his “association with suspected members of terror organisations”, says a US official.
  The 34-year-old – Africa’s referee of the year in 2025 – was set to be the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals but was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single entry US visa.
  Somalia is one of 12 several countries on a travel ban list
  
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• Fulham keen on Chukwueze stay

  11-06-2026 02:26 via thesun.ng
  
  Premier League side Fulham are reportedly interested in securing the services of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan ahead of the new season, BSNSports.com.ng reports.Poland vs Nigeria
  Chukwueze, who spent the previous campaign on a season-long loan at Craven Cottage, impressed during his spell with Marco Silva’s side, prompting Fulham to explore the possibility of making the move permanent.
  However, the London club are seeking to negotiate a reduced transfer fee with AC Milan.
  
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• NPFL: Governor dissolves Bayelsa United board, coaching crew over poor results

  11-06-2026 02:25 via thesun.ng
  
  Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has dissolved the board and coaching crew of Bayelsa United Football Club following the team’s disappointing performances, BSNSports.com.ng reportsSoccer
  The decision was announced on Wednesday ahead of the State Executive Council meeting held in Yenagoa.
  Governor Diri expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s recent results, stressing that the move was aimed at repositioning the Prosperity Boys for improved performances and future success.
  
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